‘Atrangi Re’ writer Himanshu Sharma responds to critics claiming the film trivializes mental health

Ever since ‘Atrangi Re’ got released digitally one criticism the Aanand L Rai film is facing constantly is that the story might be trivializing mental disorders. However, the film’s writer, National Award-winner Himanshu Sharma has urged critics to be less judgmental and focus more on a deeper gaze at cinema.
During a recent interview with a news portal, Himanshu explained that while working on ‘Atrangi Re’ story and the concept he had one thing in mind that he won’t be doing a documentary on mental illness.According to him, there are so many things to talk about the story called Atrangi Re. It touches down on love, loss, and trauma as well. The narrative tries to highlight how trauma can lead to so many difficulties and how love can be the only solution to all these problems.
Responding to the claims that ‘Atrangi Re’ trivializes mental disorders Himanshu said he has used the mental issue as a tool and like a sugar-coating that helps you build a story on even deeper things. He further explained that while working on the story’s characters he always paid attention to it and tried to be honest towards the story.
The acclaimed writer also requests all to understand the characters in the film starring Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush in lead with an open mind. The characters including Dhanush’s Vishu or his friend Madhu (Ashish Verma), everyone has sympathy for the girl and they handle the situation with utmost sympathy.

Himanshu has another piece of advice for all. He says one has to see the film for what it is and not what you want the film to be as it is significant to understand the deeper meanings of a story.